Verified answer

For entry level I would recommend the D60 by Nikon. The D60 is a great entry level DSLR. It will let you have control over your shots to go with your skill level. Everything from a flexible program mode where the camera does many of the functions to a full manual mode where you set everything as you want it. It give good quality pictures. The D60 give you a number of things you want. It has newer firmware and image processors, designed for the 10 mp sensor. It has an "Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control ". Nikon not putting a system on the D40 to deal with dust is one of the biggest drawbacks I see to the D40 ( though I think its still a great camera for the money) If you change lenses dust will get in and the camera needs a system to deal with it. With the D60 you get a VR lens. That will help with low light situations ( they may offer that now with the D40 but originally it was not) . The D60 has Adaptive Dynamic Range. Nikon calls it "Active D-Lighting," it lets you save some highlights that my otherwise be lost. It has a newer better metering system than the D40.

Canon does FAB cameras!!!! go on their websites for DSLR

go to kenrockwell.com and read about them